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Winter Illnesses are Here!
I have noticed both at home and at the office that the winter is truly here. My own kids have been sick with cough and congestion and both offices have seen many sick children. Those that haven't had flu shots, it isn't too late! Do come and get one. Parents, go to your doctor for one or to one of many pharmacies. In addition to flu, we are seeing a heavy season of RSV; a virus that can make infants and young children wheeze.
Hand washing remains the best way to reduce illness in the winter. Remember to keep hands off of your face and wash before you eat! Many people ask about vitamin supplements. The only one which is studied well is the addition of Vitamin C and Zinc at the start of a viral illness to reduce duration of an illness.
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Winter Time Dry Skin
It seems impossible during the winter to keep skin healthy. Several things compete to keep your skin from being healthy. Normal skin needs 40% humidity to maintain its normal moisture. When it is cold outside, the moisture is pulled out of the air. If we wash our hands like we are supposed to, then the soap extracts our natural oils, allowing the moisture to evaporate. Furthering the problem is that we must have heat in our homes to keep from freezing, reducing the humidity even more.
How can we combat this attack on our skin? Begin with protecting the moisture that is already there. When you wash, apply lotion to skin to prevent further moisture loss. Instead of washing with soap and water every time you wash,use alcohol cleansers in between thorough washings. Though it seems contrary, alcohol gels don't pull moisture from your skin as easily as water and soap do.
When possible add a humidifier to your home. Cool mist is best as it doesn't promote fungal growth as readily. A humidifier should still be washed out with vinegar and water once a week.
Lastly, don't use scalding hot water when you bath. The hotter water not only wastes energy, but further remove oils from your skin which are necessary for good skin health.
When skin health is complicated by skin illnesses such as eczema, it is very difficult to keep good control. Review good skin care with your doctor to make sure you are doing things that help your skin instead of hurt it. I always review the three principles of good skin care: moisturize with water, lubricate with lotion to seal the water in and reduce inflammation with your prescription medication. Be patient. For most eczema patients, spring and summer bring healthier skin.
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Snow Safety
I always remind kids and parents about safety with bicycles, skateboards, motorcycles and scooters. Unfortunately, many people leave their helmets inside as soon as there is snow. Going downhill on skis, snowboards, sleds and even inner tubes can be as dangerous as motorized sports. When I lived in Nebraska, we always saw serious injuries with sledding. Here in the Piedmont of North Carolina, we don't have near the amount of steep hills, but there are some. Please remember that under the soft snow is hard ground waiting for your head. Don't find out the hard way that the ground really is harder than your head.
We also need to be careful of cold exposure. Kids seem to go numb early on and stay out until their faces, fingers and toes are bright red. Though we are unlikely to see frost bite here in the Piedmont, there are nearby mountains with much more snow and more biting cold. Remember to watch kids closely as their core temperatures drop more quickly and they don't often pay attention themselves until they are shivering. Warm them slowly or they will complain of stinging skin. The best idea is bringing the kids inside periodically for warming and prevent any injury or discomfort.
Watch for eye injury if it is a sunny day. The reflected light off of the snow can injure the retina due to its brightness. Ideally, wearing sunglasses is best, but not always easy in little kids. Lastly, don't forget sun screen. Getting sunburned while have a fun day in the snow does not add to the fun. Faces especially need a coating of sunscreen; most everything else is covered!
Preparation is key: warm clothes, good waterproof boots and warm socks, good gloves and simple precautions.
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